- UMJ psychology expert Dr. Rohimi Zam Zam warns that child grooming is a serious, systematic psychological manipulation that leaves lasting trauma on victims.
- The growing concern over child grooming in Indonesia highlights the need for parental awareness, teacher involvement, and community-based prevention efforts.
- Following Broken Strings by Aurelie Moeremans, experts urge stronger education and digital vigilance to safeguard children from predatory manipulation.
The phenomenon of child grooming has become a pressing issue in Indonesia, gaining attention following the release of Broken Strings, a book written by actress and author Aurelie Moeremans.
Child grooming refers to a psychological manipulation process carried out by adults to gain a child’s trust and emotional attachment with the ultimate intent of sexual exploitation. Such manipulation has sparked growing concern among parents and educators due to its devastating long-term impact on victims.
Dr. Rohimi Zam Zam, S.Psi., SH, M.Pd., Psi., a psychology expert at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) and Chairwoman of PP ‘Aisyiyah, said the issue should not be underestimated. She emphasized that child grooming is a serious and increasingly alarming problem that society has only recently begun to recognize
Understanding Child Grooming
According to Dr. Rohimi, child grooming involves stages of deliberate psychological manipulation. Offenders often pretend to be trustworthy figures—friends, mentors, or protectors—while secretly working to lower a child’s defenses as well as those of their surrounding environment.
She outlined several stages in the grooming process, including the gradual development of trust, emotional attachment (bonding), and deception of the victim’s family to gain access and weaken protective boundaries.
Perpetrators typically exploit a child’s emotional vulnerability, often stemming from loneliness or family problems, making them feel special and valued. This manipulation can occur both in direct interactions and through digital platforms such as social media and online gaming—spaces increasingly vulnerable to such exploitation.
Serious Psychological Impact on Children
Dr. Rohimi warned that the effects of child grooming go beyond immediate emotional harm. Victims often suffer long-term consequences including severe trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Children exposed to grooming may also display behavioral changes such as aggression, social withdrawal, difficulties forming healthy relationships, identity confusion, prolonged feelings of guilt, and overwhelming shame. These symptoms underline the deep psychological damage caused by grooming.
The Role of Parents and Educators
Rohimi highlighted the crucial role of parents and educators in preventing grooming through continuous education and awareness. She urged parents to teach children personal boundaries from an early age, maintain open communication, and monitor their digital activities without overstepping privacy.
“Supervision is not about restriction; it’s about protection,” she said. “In school, teachers are the first line of defense in child protection.”
Teachers, she added, must understand the grooming concept, recognize students’ behavioral changes, be aware of children’s social environments, and maintain strong communication with parents.
She also stressed that collective synergy among families, schools, and communities is essential to prevent and respond effectively to grooming, ensuring children grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
Indonesianpost.com | Republika